Pub. 3 2021 Issue 2

Springing ForwardWhile Staying the Course: COVID-19 – YEAR 2 MARTA SILAKKA, RN, BSN, CCM, COHN-S NURSE CASE MANAGER, NHADA — WCT P retty soon, the snow will melt, and the flowers will bloom; it is just the way things go ... and unfortunately, we are watching these changes in a pandemic ... again. We have surpassed the year anniversary of COVID-19’s arrival here in New Hampshire, and we have all adapted to the “new normal.” Masks are an accessory to our outfits. Many have learned a new skill or taken up a hobby. We have found cre- ative ways to see our friends and family and many work from home. Some check the daily virus numbers like we used to check sports scores, but above all, we have remained strong and worked together as a state and a country to do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19. This we should be proud of! COVID-19’s presence appears at a crossroad; numbers have dropped, hospitalizations are down, deaths slow, but we have the new presence of variants that could have us back to where we were. Because of this, we must stay vigilant with all the state and CDC guidelines more than ever. It has been proven that masks, social distancing, and good hygiene do work in the fight against COVID-19. Experts tell us COVID-19 will be present to some degree for a long time, so we need to learn to manage it, control it, and live with it. We now have three vaccines released to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The state continues to offer these based on a schedule of those most vulnerable to the virus. Eventually, they will be available to all who wish to be vaccinated. Vaccines are not a magic bullet though; even once you are vaccinated, you must still follow the guide- lines of wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and practicing good hygiene. As much as we want them to be the cure-all and the end to COVID-19, vaccines are not 100%. Current data shows that even vaccinated people may be able to spread the virus and even contract COVID-19. We need to remember getting the vaccine is a personal choice, and there may be individuals that cannot be vaccinated based on medical reasons, religious reasons, or pregnancy. The state guidelines will likely evolve and change as the COVID-19 statistics change, vaccines become more widely available and new data is collected on their efficacy. Please continue to reach out to us with questions. Keeping our members informed on all things COVID-19 and helping them adapt the work environment to be safe for employees and customers continues to be a priority for us. NHADA will remain on top of new information and continue to keep everyone informed. Please feel free to contact Marta Silakka at 603-224-2369, or msilakka@nhada.com with any COVID-19 questions. N E W H A M P S H I R E 9